Wasps fight to keep Paul Sackey as French big guns close in on England winger

Wasps have opened talks with Paul Sackey about a new contract, but the England winger is also wanted by four leading clubs in France, plus three in the Guinness Premiership.

The 30-year-old’s deal expires at the end of this season and from the New Year he is free to speak to suitors. It is understood Wasps are keen to keep him, but terms have not been thrashed out.

Pastures new? Paul Sackey may be on his way out at Wasps

Sackey has a deep sense of loyalty to them, having started his career at the club’s academy and returned in 2005 following spells at Bedford and London Irish. Wasps are renowned for retaining a top-class playing squad despite being unable to compete with the salary packages offered by many rivals.

Instead, they offer a proven pathway to Test selection, as well as the chance of domestic and European titles.

Sackey is keeping an open mind yet there can be no doubting his worth on the open market as a pedigree try-scorer. He stands joint second with 67 in the all-time Premiership charts, needing to touch down another nine times to overhaul Steve Hanley’s tally of 75.

Wasps are also in negotiations with England fly-half Danny Cipriani, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.

Lions hooker Matthew Rees, 29, has signed a new contract with the Scarlets until 2013. Scotland fly-half Dan Parks, 31, seems poised to join Cardiff Blues next season. He has played 101 games for Glasgow and is on the verge of 1,000 points in the Magners League.

Perpignan prop Jerome Schuster has been cited for allegedly butting Denis Leamy of Munster in a Heineken Cup tie. If found guilty, he faces a ban of up to 12 weeks.